Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement—a predetermined amount of healthcare expenses that must be covered before the plan begins paying the majority of (if not all) expenses related to necessary medical care.

If you have put off scheduling prescribed care, annual check-ups or recommended screenings, it would be wise to check your deductible status and plan benefits. This can be an ideal time to access healthcare services if you have already paid your deductible in full. The key is to obtain all the health services you need before December 31, because with the New Year comes a new deductible.

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – check your balance. These accounts, which hold pre-tax dollars set aside to pay for healthcare-related expenses, must be depleted by the end of the year or the money is forfeited. This adds another incentive to schedule services to ensure your hard-earned dollars are spent, not lost.

Schedule your services now so there is enough time to have the necessary test or procedure completed before the end of the year. Getting everything squared-away by early December will help ensure the services you receive are considered part of your 2018 coverage.

Every health plan is different. It is important to know how your plan works so you can get the most from your benefits.